Swans got Gomis! Welsh club confirm Lyon striker's arrival

Swansea have completed their second signing of the summer, having snapped up French forward Bafetimbi Gomis on a four year deal - subject to international clearance.

The striker's contract had expired at Lyon, allowing the player to move on a free transfer to another club.

He followed fellow free transfer arrival Lukasz Fabianski from Arsenal, meaning the Welsh outfit have captured two international players without spending a penny.

It represents something of a coup for the Swans, with the Frenchman having been linked to plenty of European giants over the last few years, and after scoring 22 goals last season, a player of his quality was sure to be in demand, something the Swansea website confirmed when announcing the deal: "He turned down offers from a number of Premier League and overseas clubs to sign for the Swans."

Gomis was one of the players to marginally miss out on a place in France's World Cup squad, having featured for the side in Brazil last summer, where he made appearances against Uruguay and Luis Scolari's men.

The former Lyon and Saint Etienne forward has made 12 appearances for Les Bleus in his career, scoring 3 times, the last go which was a consolation strike in a 2-1 loss to Italy.

At 28-years-old, Gomis will feel he has a few good years left of his prime, and may hope an impressive spell in the Premier League could see him earn a recall to Didier Deschamps' squad.

“I’ve been really impressed speaking with the manager and the chairman over the last few days,’’ Gomis told the Swansea website. “They showed they really wanted me - and that’s one of the main reasons I chose Swansea ahead of the other interested clubs.

“It’s a proud club with strong philosophies. It is growing all the time and I’m honoured to be given the opportunity to be part of it.

“I watched a number of games last season and I think the style will suit me. It’s a collective, passing approach which I like.

Che Thomas

Che is an Englishman abroad unable to cut the apron strings tying him to the crazy world of English football. As a writer and freelance journalist, he has covered matches and cultural events from across the globe all with the intention to inform, entertain and provoke debate. Just as smitten with music, film, and photography, though fully aware of the fact that nothing takes the place of that Saturday afternoon excitement down at N17 (even when it's actually on a Sunday!)